steve from brp answered

[Bobleach45]

Just the way I think

Have not had this problem because I have a 2013 that I bought a year ago this week. But I must say that as much as I like my RTLtd. If I was going out to buy a new bike right now I would be giving serious consideration to something other than a Spyder because I don't see any real attempt to solve the problem. I've read where people have had multiples of this problem and I remember reading one where it cost the Spyder Owner a $531 tow. This is the type of thing that can be the downfall of a company because the more people read about this the more they will question BRP's Dedication to providing a top of the line product and the desire to do what they must to satisfy their customer base. So Steve, take it to the people who make the decisions and tell them they may escape spending what they should now but loose a lot more in the future.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I have over 75,000 miles on my 2014 RTS SM-6 and I've never had a DESS issue nor do I have any fear of having one or being stranded. Yes you are definitely over reacting and I imagine that you never venture too far from home in any mode of transportation for fear that something could go wrong.

Okay, I'm going to say shame on me for this post. I remember when we were having the 2013 RT recall issues and I know it ticked me off when people thought it wasn't a big deal. I will say that I do agree that BRP needs to fix the DESS issue once and for all and for those who have had this issue it is a big deal. But in my opinion it isn't something that should cause anyone to sell their Spyder just so they don't get stranded or never travel far from home in case it happens to them. I think you are much more likely to get stranded by simply losing your keys or getting a flat tire than you are to get stuck with a DESS error. So get out there and ride, I know I will!

 

[garageguy]

the questions about the dess issues on the bike. i answered him, and don't want anyone to miss what he said. so i figured i would let you know. now he said brp doesn't support the idea of turning the system off, i told him i would sign a paper tell them that i don't mind them turning it off. if you feel the same, got to the tread and let him know. if we get enough people to say to turn it off, they might do it

Maybe I'm missing something here but what was Steve's (from BRP) response? Other than BRP doesn't support the idea of disabling? Was it a PM or a post? 2015 RTSS and 2015 ST-L with no DESS issues but my wife and I are planning long road trips to see the Nat. Parks.

 

[Sam Mac]

To the OP I'm sorry if I Hijacked your thread. I'll accept Steve's word that they have it fixed, I'll drink the cool aid and I'll just ride blissfully off into the sunset. :yes::yes:

 

[cuznjohn]

Maybe I'm missing something here but what was Steve's (from BRP) response? Other than BRP doesn't support the idea of disabling? Was it a PM or a post? 2015 RTSS and 2015 ST-L with no DESS issues but my wife and I are planning long road trips to see the Nat. Parks.

this is what steve said

Hi everyone,

We've been following this thread closely and I wanted to make sure I got the right information before posting here.
Here are the facts:

• The system works as follows: When the vehicle is started, the DESS module looks for a signal from the key, relayed to it via the antenna (which is just an extension of the module itself). Then, the DESS module lets the ECM know that the proper, authenticated key is present and matches the ECM, and the vehicle can be operated.
• There are different possible causes for a DESS error, and different ways for the error to manifest itself. For the vast majority of cases we've seen, neither the ignition, antenna or ECM needed to be replaced. For folks who did experience a DESS issue, replacing the DESS module itself to the latest part number is the appropriate fix.
• If, somehow, you've had a DESS failure after having the DESS module replaced to the newest part number (that occurred more than once, was not due to interference, etc), it could point to an error in one of the other aforementioned systems. Your dealer can diagnose it for you, look up any error codes and if needed our techs will assist them.
• For obvious reasons, BRP doesn't recommend nor support disabling of the DESS system.

Steve can't answer unless the higher ups give him something to say, and I'm sure he is reading what is posted on SL's, and relaying it on.


Incorrect. If I don't respond right away, it's to make sure I have all the facts straight so that I don't provide any misinformation.

 

[bigsmoke]

the questions about the dess issues on the bike. i answered him, and don't want anyone to miss what he said. so i figured i would let you know. now he said brp doesn't support the idea of turning the system off, i told him i would sign a paper tell them that i don't mind them turning it off. if you feel the same, got to the tread and let him know. if we get enough people to say to turn it off, they might do it

Please excuse my ignorance or lack of knowing what's going on,
but the DESS issue,
1) What is DESS
2) What is the issue at hand with DESS

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

THE DESS ISSUE

Please excuse my ignorance or lack of knowing what's going on,
but the DESS issue,
1) What is DESS
2) What is the issue at hand with DESS

I'm not being Rude here but..............over 26,000 have viewed the D.E.S.S. AGAIN - Thread with over 325 comments .....I don't think anyone is going to re-print them for you here .....just find the thread and sit back and you will discover what has been going on .......Mike :thumbup:

 

[bigsmoke]

I'm not being Rude here but..............over 26,000 have viewed the D.E.S.S. AGAIN - Thread with over 325 comments .....I don't think anyone is going to re-print them for you here .....just find the thread and sit back and you will discover what has been going on .......Mike :thumbup:[/QUOTE
OK Blueknight, I feel the Bern here.

 

[Jheck]

Please excuse my ignorance or lack of knowing what's going on,
but the DESS issue,
1) What is DESS
2) What is the issue at hand with DESS

Damed. Electronic. Security. System. Sorry.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

OK, I will acknowledge that some ryders have had DESS issues that were caused by defective DESS modules. But try to understand BRP's dilemma. If 1% of all units have a DESS failure, and those failures have different underlying root causes, it can be extremely difficult to ferret out what is causing the problem. Add to that failures caused by external factors, probably all of which are different, and which are difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce how are BRP engineers going to know what to look for?

My dealer was telling me the other day of an ATV that the owner repeatedly got a check engine light. They'd bring it into the shop and there was no problem. Take it back home and the next day he'd call with another check engine error. They finally found the problem. He lived close to an electrical power substation. Electromagnetic waves from the substation were playing havoc with the electronics on his ATV. Apparently no one else anywhere had that problem. He also said they had many Triumph motorcycles that were totally dead out of the crate. They finally figured out if both keys were tied together with one in the ignition, the bike would not start. There was no error indicator whatever. They had to put the second key in the trunk to get the bike to start.

Those of you who have had the DESS module replaced with the latest version and are still experiencing errors I am convinced are living or traveling in an area with some sort of external radio interference. Unless you can somehow figure out what that interference is, BRP will simply be shooting in the dark to try to prevent the DESS from being vulnerable to it. When very few people experience an identical problem, but you do have it repeatedly, that is a very strong indicator there is something unique about your situation. The key is try to figure out what that unique condition is.

I have two garage door openers that sometimes will not respond to the built-in opener in the car or pickup. But if I punch the button for the other door, then the stubborn door, the stubborn door will respond. To get one door to open I have to open both. Go figure!

 

[safecracker]

Idaho, I was reading my sons Triump owners manual. That's what it said in the manual. Keep the keys separate.

 

[Grandpot]

Please excuse my ignorance or lack of knowing what's going on,
but the DESS issue,
1) What is DESS
2) What is the issue at hand with DESS

Here's a straight answer. DESS = Digital Electronic Security System. This system reads the chip in your key for authentication before it lets you or a thief drive off with it. This system has been failing lately on some of the newer Spyders. It usually means a tow to a dealer. There is no warning when it can happen. Very frustrating and costly to those involved.

 

[bigsmoke]

Damed. Electronic. Security. System. Sorry.

Thank you, never been an issue with me and my 09GS

 

[Deanna777]

Please excuse my ignorance or lack of knowing what's going on,
but the DESS issue,
1) What is DESS
2) What is the issue at hand with DESS

Here is the thread "D.E.S.S KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! started by Deanna777 on 8/13/15.

Go to Deanna777 **** find latest started threads*** you will find some answers to your questions 1, and 2. I posted some helpful suggestions on what to do, and their are pictures.

Also, like mike (Blueknight911) posted this thread has been viewed by 26,0000 and it is 16 pages long so far.
Deanna

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

DESS PROBLEMS

Thank you, never been an issue with me and my 09GS

The 09 thru 13 spyders were fine .......then some genius engineer decided to fix something that wasn't BROKEN :banghead::banghead::banghead: and you know what usually happens ...............:gaah::gaah::gaah:.......Yep it sure did :lecturef_smilie:.......Mike :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: They "upgraded" the security level of the system, and that's when the trouble started.
I wonder just how many Spyders have EVER been stolen, by using the wrong key to gain access? :dontknow:

 

[jcthorne]

:agree: They "upgraded" the security level of the system, and that's when the trouble started.
I wonder just how many Spyders have EVER been stolen, by using the wrong key to gain access? :dontknow:

A lot fewer than have had to be towed to the dealer for a dysfunctional DESS....

 

[MikeT]

The BIG question is: What security system revision will the 10th Anniversary (2017) Spyders have?????
Looks like there could be options for the Y factor riding style available in 2017, or 2018.

 

[GeorgiaBill]

Good DESS Thread

I'm one of the 'lucky' ones with no DESS problems - yet. I still cringe every time I push the starter, have ridden 7,000 miles in 9 months and only ventured more than 200 miles from home this month. That would be 269 miles to Savannah, GA.

I read as much as possible about Spyders before "assuming the risk", and decided to stay close to home at first. Reading about those with no problems encourages me. I'm not completely paranoid, having encountered a couple of problems with bikes suddenly refusing to start.

The worst was a 2004 GL1800 that failed to start in 2008 a thousand miles from home. The Honda warranty folks in Hawthorne, CA had the dealer slowly disassemble the engine and report back in an apparent attempt to blame me for the problem. I got the bike repaired under warranty after a bus ride home, an eight week wait, and a flight to Corpus Christi. Then, also, I cringed for about 6 months every time I started the bike. Then I got over it, and maybe it's time also for the Spyder fears to abate.

My career was predominately a mainframe programmer from 1963 to 2009 except for a few years in staff and management positions. I was accustomed to folks offering suggestions that on the surface seem simple but are actually less than simple. Having said that, it appears to me that the DESS starting problems could be disabled via software pretty easily. It appears from these comments that DESS is reputed to do more than prevent unauthorized operation. Just install a software patch for those who want it such that DESS is only operational if the engine is running. Just a thought, but I would love to take my chances with thieves and not be worried about DESS malfunctions.

Who knows - maybe a Spyderfest is in my future.

-Bill

 

[Lew L]

What---worry me???

Well I'm over 800 miles from home in Tuscon with son and grand chillins. I just can't be worried about the DESS problems.
BUT I SURE WOULD FEEL BETTER ABOUT CAN AM AND BRP IF THEY WOULD FIX THIS !!!!!

A DESS problem 800+ miles from hime would cause;
Kaos